HOUGHTON — The stealing and destruction of political signs has seen an increase in the 2020 election cycle throughout Houghton County, with evidence pointing toward a higher rate of criminal activity against Biden/Harris signs than Trump/Pence signs. The criminal activity, however, is not limited to the Copper Country.

In Clinton County, Pennsylvania, WNEP reported on July 23 that political signs have been destroyed or stolen from lawns throughout the county. Both Democrat and Republican signs are being targeted, the article states. Just like in the Copper Country, members of neither party appreciate it.

“Stealing yard signs is theft of personal property,” WNEP quoted Kurt Smith of the Clinton County Republican Party. “it’s trespassing, it is just a violation of ethics.”

Rose Reeder, member of the Democratic Party of Clinton County, agreed.

“Yard signs have been stolen, mutilated, and many are in people yards,” she said, “and many are in people’s yards, so that includes trespassing.”

An Oct. 2 Letter to the Editor of the Talbot Spy, of Easton, Maryland, began:

“Two issues that President Trump claims to care about are the First Amendment and Law and Order. It seems as though some of his local supporters are not in agreement. They have shown that when a view other than their own is expressed, they become disrespectful and destructive. Many of us who wish to engage in our First Amendment rights are putting up Biden for President signs. These signs are being slashed, painted over, and thrown into bushes. On a couple of occasions, the men installing these signs have been verbally accosted.”

News agencies throughout the Lower Peninsula have been reporting on the same issue.

On Sept. 11, the News Advocate of Manistee reported that political signs are disappearing in Manistee and Benzie counties.

“We’ve had a number of people come in to say their signs have been taken, and it’s the same with Trump flags,” the Advocate quoted Kathy Scarlata, chairperson of the Manistee County Republican Party, as saying. “It’s just sad. Everyone has a right to free speech. People need to understand that just because you don’t agree with someone’s opinion doesn’t mean that you should steal their sign.”

The authors of the letter to the Talbot Spy agreed:.

“Little do they understand it is a reflection of themselves and their disregard and lack of understanding of the First Amendment and of our Constitution itself,” they wrote. “Destruction of other people’s property is a criminal offense.”

The same issue, happening in Marquette County, was brought to the attention of the Mining Journal last month, when on Sept. 16, the paper reported that complaints recently taken to the Marquette Police Department by a group of neighbors along Magnetic Street, who claimed to have had multiple Joe Biden signs stolen from their lawns overnight.

Just as the Daily Mining Gazette reported recently in Houghton County, the Mining Journal reported in its Sept. 16 article that “the issue appears to be more emotionally charged this year as opposed to previous election years. A country divided amid racial inequality and COVID-19, citizens are pushing for their desired presidential candidate, Biden or President Donald Trump, more so than ever before.”

And just like in Houghton County, the Journal stated:

“While Biden yard signs were the ones to initially be reported stolen, MPD Detective Capt. Greg Kinonen said the act occurs frequently on both sides of the political spectrum, Trump signs included.”

Most states, in fact, do have laws against stealing political signs, including Michigan. The News Advocate stated that, according to Manistee County Prosecutor Jason Haag, sign theft is classified as a misdemeanor under Michigan law and carries a penalty of up to 93 days in jail in addition to or instead of a $500 fine. The Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office declined comment regarding potential charges or penalties, citing not being permitted to give out legal advice.